The “baking therapy” discussed on this blog refers to my personal experience using baking as a self-help and relaxation tool.”

Hey, everybirdy! Today’s recipe is extremely easy and perfect for when you want something sweet, but your fridge is looking a little bare. We’re taking a standard box of brownie mix and giving it a “Baking Therapy” makeover.

I’m calling these Brownie Mix Pantry Cookies. What makes this recipe special is that we are doctoring a store-bought mix to make it our own—and the best part? No eggs required!

📋 Baking Therapy: The Joy of Experimenting

There’s something so therapeutic about “pantry scavenging”—taking what you already have and turning it into something new. I knew I had some frozen bananas in the freezer that needed to be used, so I decided to experiment. Watching a simple box of mix transform into these chewy, fudgy cookies is a great reminder that we can always make something wonderful out of what we have on hand. It’s all about the process!

💡 Robby’s Quick Tips

• The Banana Binder: Since we aren’t using eggs, the mashed bananas act as the binder. They add a subtle sweetness and keep the cookies incredibly moist.
• Don’t Overbake: You want to pull these out of the oven when the tops are no longer glossy. Even if they feel a little soft, they will firm up as they cool.
• Safe to Snack: Because there are no eggs in this dough, you don’t have to worry about the “raw egg” risk—though I’d still recommend waiting for them to bake so you get that perfect cookie texture!
• Melting Point: Make sure your margarine and shortening mixture is fully melted before mixing; it helps the dough come together smoothly.

🛒 The Essentials (What You’ll Need)

Cost: A great way to use up “mystery items” in your pantry!

• 1 Box Brownie Mix (Your favorite brand)
• 1/2 Cup Melted Fat (A mixture of margarine and shortening)
• 2 Frozen Bananas (Thawed and mashed)
• Oil & Water (Use the amounts listed on your specific brownie box)

Visit my Patreon for a free post featuring the full Walmart price breakdown for this budget-friendly bake!

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Preheat: Get your oven ready at 350°F.
2. Mash: In a medium bowl, mash your thawed bananas until they are smooth.
3. Mix: Add the brownie mix, the melted margarine/shortening mixture, and the water and oil. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Scoop: Roll the dough into balls and arrange them on a cookie sheet.
5. Bake: Bake for 8 minutes or until the tops are no longer glossy.
6. Cool: Let them sit on the tray for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

💬 Q&R: Questions & Robby

Q: Will these taste like bananas?

Robby: There is a hint of banana flavor, but the chocolate from the brownie mix is definitely the star of the show! It tastes like a chocolate-banana bread cookie.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips?

Robby: Definitely! If you have some in the pantry, toss them in for extra fudginess.

Q: What if I don’t have shortening?

Robby: You can use all butter or all margarine, but the mix of the two gives these cookies a really nice texture that stays soft for days.

💬 Join the Conversation

These cookies didn’t last long in my house!

• Pantry Finds: What is one “mystery item” in your cupboard that you’ve been meaning to use?
• The Texture Test: Do you prefer your cookies crunchy or soft and fudgy like these?

Final Thoughts

These cookies were so fun to experiment with. It’s a great reminder that you don’t always need a long list of ingredients to make something delicious. I hope you guys like this recipe as much as I did!

Stay safe and enjoy every bite! Happy baking!